The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
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Democracy Updates
In anticipation of national elections on March 7, Iraqi civil society activists held 16 candidate forums throughout the country to engage voters in the political process, improve the dialogue with candidates and focus attention on priority issues for voters, such as water, electricity and education.
The forums, organized with support from NDI, were held Feb. 22 — March 1 in 16 of Iraq's 18 provinces. Candidates from the major political coalitions and parties in each province were invited to participate. A total of 71 parliamentary candidates, including 14 women, presented their platforms and responded to questions, described their proposals and conveyed broader messages to an audience of potential supporters.
Partner Spotlight
The National Platform for Women, the culmination of a three-month collaboration and consensus-building effort by political party members, civil society activists and government officials from across Iraq, was launched in Baghdad last month in anticipation of Iraq's March 7 parliamentary elections.
In-Country Perspectives
The engagement of women in Iraq’s political process has been a major focus of NDI’s efforts in the country since 2006. Through the Women’s Empowerment Program, the Institute has conducted extensive training programs for women activists that have inspired engagement from the grassroots to the Iraqi Parliament. One of the Institute’s Iraq staff members, Ferdos Majeed, discusses a series of NDI training programs in Erbil that have encouraged women’s political participation.
Iraq
By strengthening relationships among Iraqi citizens, political parties, and government institutions, NDI aims to encourage the development and implementation of policies that meet the needs of the population. The Institute's programs enhance the will and capacity of political parties and government institutions to engage citizens in policymaking and legislative processes, equip civic activists and non-governmental organizations to advocate directly for change at local and national levels, increase the leadership and effectiveness of women in institutions and democratic processes, and promote the conduct of credible and transparent elections.
NDI began working with reform-minded Iraqi politicians in 1999 and established an in-country presence throughout Iraq in June 2003. The Institute has a training center in Erbil, as well as an office in Baghdad focused on its work with the Council of Representatives and political party partners. NDI also supports a network of provincial coordinators, Iraqi political organizers and civil society activists who conduct training, outreach and other activities with the Institute's political and civil society partners throughout the country's 18 provinces.
Electoral Assistance
Civil Society Development
Political Party Strengthening
Governance
Women's Political Participation
The Andi Parhamovich Fellowship
Funding
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